Mahima
An unfortunate incident of oxygen tanker leak claimed the lives of 24 Covid-19 patients due to interrupted supply of oxygen.
The incident took place outside the Zakir Hussain Municipal Hospital where all the victims were on ventilators and required constant oxygen supply.
Sources confirm that the tragedy unfolded around 10a.m when the tank was being refilled.
Visuals show gas leaking from the tanker and dense white fumes overing the area steadily.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope attributed the leak to a valve malfunction and assured that the government will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain if negligence caused the tragedy.
Patients and their family members panicked when the oxygen supply stopped.
Fire trucks were rushed to the hospital to contain the leak.
Zakir Hussain Hospital is a Covid-dedicated facility with around 150 patients either oxygen dependent or on ventilators.
Around 31 out of 80 patients who critically need oxygen have been shifted to another hospital.
Nashik Collector Suraj Mandhare said, “Apparently, technicians tried to fix the valve when low pressure caused the leakage. Currently, other patients are being supplied oxygen from the repaired tank. They are in a stable condition, as per medical authorities”.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced, “The kin of every patient who died will receive a compensation of Rs. 5 lakh. I appeal to the people not to indulge in any kind of politics.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid his condolences and tweeted, “The tragedy at a hospital in Nashik because of oxygen tank leakage is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. Condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour.”
State Minister Aaditya Thackeray too expressed his sadness and tweeted in Marathi, “The accident at Zakir Hussain Hospital is extremely unfortunate. We all share in the grief of all these families. Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal and all the other officials are in touch with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. This unfortunate incident will be thoroughly investigated.”